10 Tips for a Healthy Microbiome

Our bodies contain 10 times more microbial cells than human cells and 200 times more microbial genes than human genes. The collective community of microorganisms and their genes is called our microbiome and we wouldn’t live long without it.

Are Fecal Transplants the New Probiotcs?

Despite the marvels of modern medicine, nature is sometimes still the best cure. One good example is fecal microbiota transplant or FMT, which involves the transfer of stool from a healthy person to a sick person. This ancient technique, which dates back to fourth-century China, is making a comeback because it can cure an infection that is too often incurable: Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff. 

Vacations are Good For Your Health

The United States is the only industrialized country that doesn’t require employers to give workers paid vacation time. In fact, about a quarter of employees in the US don’t receive any paid vacation at all, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

DIY Fermented Foods

"Humans did not invent or create fermentation; it would be more accurate to state that fermentation created us."

     -Sandor Ellix Katz, The Art of Fermentation, page 1

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and yogurt have so many health benefits. They support the healthy microorganisms in our digestive tract that we can't live without and they improve our ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.

If fermenting your own foods is daunting, take some help from these two books.

Free Fun Fitness Events in New York City

Exercise should be fun and it shouldn't cost a lot. Check out these FREE fitness events in New York City this summer to get outside and get moving.

5 Big Benefits of Sauna Therapy

For thousands of years humans have been using heated air for ceremony, relaxation, and healing. This practice is still in widespread use today in the form of saunas.
Studies show that sauna therapy has real health benefits and I recommend it regularly to my patients, sometimes for specific health conditions and other times as part of a comprehensive detox program.

Healthy Grilling Tips and Charcoal Choices

When it comes to grilling, charcoal briquettes have some advantages. They burn longer and maintain a consistent temperature. But they also take longer to light and may require the addition of lighter fluid. Because they're made with binding agents like sodium nitrate, they release chemicals into the air that permeates your food. And they produce a lot of ash.